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Barrett Announced as Highlands College Director of Business & Community Outreach

Montana Tech Chancellor Donald Blackketter and Highlands College Dean John Garic have announced that Evan D. Barrett, Chief Business Development Officer for Governor Brian Schweitzer since 2005, has joined Montana Tech as Director of Business & Community Outreach for Highlands College. Barrett, who served as Executive Director of the Butte Local Development Corporation (BLDC) for eighteen years before heading up the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, was recently announced as recipient of a top award from the Montana Ambassadors. Governor Steve Bullock will present the honored designation of Montana Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Barrett at the Montana Ambassadors’ Annual meeting in Helena on February 21st.

“We are pleased to have Evan Barrett join our Montana Tech team,” said Chancellor Blackketter, “and we are pleased to see his many accomplishments recognized. The State of Montana, Butte-Silver Bow and especially Montana Tech are fortunate to have had such a passionate and dedicated advocate for so many years.”

Barrett was previously honored as Montana Ambassador of the Year in 2000. Evan has spent the last forty-four years at the top level of Montana economic development, government, politics, and education, working both governmentally and politically for three Montana Governors, a Congressman and a US Senator. In addition to being a recognized leader in economic development, Barrett has been a long-time advocate for education at all levels, serving both Montana Tech and the entire Montana University System in a number of ways over the years.

“We are lucky and exceptionally pleased that Evan Barrett will continue his lifelong dedication to public service and particularly higher education as a member of our staff,” said Dr. John M. Garic, Dean of Highlands College.

In addition to the duties of Director of Business & Community Outreach, the plan is for Barrett to teach some courses starting Fall Semester of 2013.

Barrett is a 34-year Butte resident. He and his wife Gail live on the Butte hill. He has three daughters, a son and three grandchildren.